NOVPUBSenior Sister is difficult to conquer, but it seems I made some progress tonight.
Perhaps she prefers being teased…
I’ll have to experiment further next time… He recalled Lan Mulian’s flustered reaction when he had removed her veil, a satisfied smile gracing his lips.
He flew towards the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, but as he reached the entrance of the Jade Glass Palace, he spotted a disciple standing in the shadows.
“Junior Brother Mu, you’re finally back,” the disciple said, his voice filled with relief.
“Who are you…?” Mu Zhi’an asked, puzzled.
“Master summons you to the back mountain of Boundless Sea Peak,” the disciple replied.
Master? He must be referring to Ying Guhuan… He nodded, then frowned slightly.
Why is she summoning me at this hour?
He agreed to accompany the disciple and left the Jade Glass Palace.
Soon, they arrived at the back mountain and entered the Dongtian. He found Ying Guhuan, clad in a red dress, her beauty as alluring as ever, waiting for him in the main hall.
The disciple, clearly intimidated by her presence, bowed respectfully. “Master, I’ve brought Junior Brother Mu.”
She glanced at him, and he quickly left the hall.
“Why did you summon me so late, Sister Ying?” Mu Zhi’an asked, relaxing slightly now that they were alone.
She narrowed her eyes, studying him as she crossed her legs elegantly. “You’re quite a busy man, aren’t you? Would you have even bothered to see me if I hadn’t sent for you?” she asked, her voice laced with a hint of amusement.
He chuckled wryly. “Don’t say that, Sister Ying. Senior Sister Lan reached the Nascent Soul Realm, so I had to prepare a gift. I was planning to visit you today, but I was delayed by some cultivators from other powers.”
“Cultivators from other powers?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.
“Zhou Hao, a prodigy from the Forbidden Zone,” he sighed. “I’m just a young master from a minor family. How could I compare to him? I spent a lot of effort just to get him to back off.”
“A prodigy from the Forbidden Zone?” she scoffed. “The master of the Forbidden Zone doesn’t involve himself in petty squabbles between the younger generation. If he tries to bully you, don’t hold back.”
“But isn’t there a rule against fighting within the sect?” he asked hesitantly.
“The sect forbids private duels, but sparring is allowed. Just send him a challenge letter. I’ll handle any consequences,” she said with a smile.
“You’re so kind, Sister Ying,” he said, touched.
Though she was a demonic cultivator, he hadn’t encountered any problems with her so far.
Her kindness wasn’t solely due to his Innate Celestial Vessel. His conversation skills and his respectful demeanor were also factors.
“So, what did you want to discuss, Sister Ying?” he asked.
She nodded, beckoning him closer.
As he approached, she retrieved a folded letter from her bosom and handed it to him.
He discreetly glanced at her ample cleavage, then accepted the letter, unfolding it carefully.
His expression shifted from casual curiosity to concern as he read the contents. After a long silence, he looked up at her.
“You knew about this all along, Sister Ying?”
The letter was from the Demon Realm Empress, and it concerned the seal within the Pilgrimage Palace.
“I’ve been at the sect for a long time. I’ve investigated the Dongtian beneath the Pilgrimage Palace before,” she replied calmly.
“But I didn’t venture too deep.”
There had been several tremors at the Pilgrimage Palace, and she had attempted to explore the Dongtian. However, she had sensed a dangerous aura and had retreated.
The letter from the Demon Realm Empress detailed the history of the former Demon Emperor and ended with four words: “Wait and see.”
“What is the relationship between the Demon Realm Empress and the former Demon Emperor?” he asked.
“The Demon Realm is currently divided into two factions,” she explained. “One loyal to the former Demon Emperor, the other to the current Empress. However, the former Demon Emperor’s remnants have been mostly eradicated. They pose no real threat.”
“Then why is she telling me to wait and see?” he asked, puzzled.
Eliminating the former Demon Emperor should be beneficial to her.
She narrowed her eyes, her smile widening. “She’s telling you to wait and see for your own good. The former Demon Emperor can’t reach you within the Two Polarities Sect, but even in the darkest corners, there are shadows.”
“You’re saying… the former Demon Emperor has agents within the sect?” he asked, understanding her meaning.
If that was the case, he needed to be cautious.
He had assumed that the former Demon Emperor, sealed by the Jade Empress, had no choice but to trust him.
But if there were others secretly communicating with him, what lengths would they go to free him?
He nodded, his expression serious. “Thank you for the warning, Sister.”
She chuckled. “A simple ‘thank you’ isn’t enough.”
She stared at him, her eyes filled with a playful invitation. “Next time, show your gratitude in a more… tangible way.”
He understood her meaning and nodded. “I will.”
She dismissed him, refraining from making any moves.
Though she was tempted by his Innate Celestial Vessel, the Jade Empress was currently residing within him. If they cultivated… and the Jade Empress discovered it… it wouldn’t end well.
After all, the Jade Empress was likely staying within him because of his Innate Celestial Vessel.
Waiting until she had rebuilt her body would be the safest approach…
And she had plenty of patience.
She had been stuck at the Seventh Stage of Nascent Soul for years. A few more months wouldn’t make a difference.
…
Garden of Heavenly Harmony.
Bai Ruoxi, clad in a white dress adorned with pale purple snow lotuses, sat on her bed, her ample bosom straining against the fabric.
She opened her eyes, a milky white orb, radiating a gentle glow, hovering before her. It purified the surrounding spiritual energy, making it more potent for her cultivation.
The spiritual energy within the Two Polarities Sect was indeed far richer and purer than down the mountain, which greatly benefited her cultivation.
She raised her hand, and the Heavenly Dao Aura materialized in her palm, then vanished.
She stood up, her delicate feet clad in white socks, a black ribbon adorning her ankle, her skin as fair and smooth as jade.
She left her room, stretching languidly, her figure slender and alluring.
Outside, a pond shimmered under the moonlight, snow lotuses swaying gently in the night breeze.
She spotted Wei Mengrou, the maid, sitting at a pavilion by the pond, her gaze fixed on the moon.
Wei Mengrou, sensing her presence, turned to see Bai Ruoxi approaching gracefully, her hands clasped before her.
“Mengrou, why are you still awake so late?” she asked with a smile.
“Core Formation cultivators don’t need to sleep,” Wei Mengrou replied calmly.
Bai Ruoxi nodded, not dwelling on the matter. “Where’s Young Master Mu?”
“A disciple from Boundless Sea Peak summoned him,” she replied, glancing at the beautiful woman beside her.
Though Bai Ruoxi appeared gentle and fragile, she knew that the former most beautiful woman in Tianxuan City was actually quite assertive. She had addressed Mu Zhi’an as “my dear(Mu Lang)” in front of both Ye Lingxuan and Lan Mulian.
The fact that she was now addressing him as “Young Master Mu” suggested that she didn’t consider Wei Mengrou a threat, or perhaps she simply didn’t see her as a rival.
Whatever the reason, Wei Mengrou didn’t care.
“Why are the Peak Masters so attentive to him?” Bai Ruoxi asked, her brow furrowing slightly.
In the past few months, all nine Peak Masters had gifted him pills, the most generous being those from Boundless Sea Peak, the Peak of Celestial Secrets, and Dao Peak.
The Book Pavilion was understandable. After all, Yan Ruyu only had Mu Zhi’an as her inner disciple. It was natural for her to invest in him.
But the other Peak Masters’ enthusiasm was strange.
“Perhaps it’s because of Ling Long, the Spirit Dragon,” Wei Mengrou suggested.
“Or perhaps… it’s because of his Innate Celestial Vessel,” Bai Ruoxi said softly, her voice laced with a hint of suspicion.
Wei Mengrou stared at her, surprised. She hadn’t expected Bai Ruoxi, who spent most of her days meditating, to be so well-informed.
“What do you plan to do?” she asked.
“The Peak Masters are all prominent figures within the sect. They wouldn’t openly express their desire for his Innate Celestial Vessel.”
Bai Ruoxi paused, then continued, “Besides, Senior Jade Empress is currently recuperating within his vessel. They won’t make a move anytime soon.”
“But what if the Jade Empress recovers and leaves his vessel?” Wei Mengrou asked, her usually indifferent demeanor replaced by a flicker of curiosity.
Even she couldn’t resist the allure of gossip.
“It would be inappropriate for a Peak Master to take advantage of a disciple,” Bai Ruoxi replied, her gaze suddenly sharp, her aura shifting.
However, she quickly reverted to her usual gentle persona, her voice filled with worry. “But they’re all Nascent Soul experts. If they truly desire his Innate Celestial Vessel, what can I do…?”
As a mere Core Formation cultivator, she felt powerless.
Wei Mengrou sipped her tea, her expression unreadable.
“Perhaps I should speak with Lingxuan,” Bai Ruoxi murmured.
Though Ye Lingxuan also had… designs… on Mu Zhi’an, she was relatively naive. Bai Ruoxi believed it was better to reach an understanding with her “sisters” than to allow outsiders to intervene.
At least they were all “small fish,” posing no real threat.
But bringing in a “Great White Shark”… that was a different story.
She tapped her finger on the table, lost in thought.
Wei Mengrou smiled inwardly, enjoying the drama.
Cultivation was a monotonous affair. A bit of gossip was a welcome distraction.
She suddenly turned her head, her eyes widening slightly.
Someone else has reached the Nascent Soul Realm?
Reaching the Nascent Soul Realm was a significant achievement, marking one’s entry into the realm of “immortals.” Nascent Soul cultivators were revered figures, capable of dominating any region.
Very few achieved such a breakthrough.
Lan Mulian had just reached the Nascent Soul Realm, and now someone else had achieved this feat?
And the aura was coming from… Tianxuan City.
“Mengrou, what are you looking at?”
A young man’s voice startled her.
She and Bai Ruoxi looked up to see Mu Zhi’an standing before them.
“Someone in Tianxuan City has reached the Nascent Soul Realm,” Wei Mengrou replied.
“Nascent Soul Realm…?” he murmured, his expression turning serious.
The talented youths of Tianxuan City were all cultivating at the Two Polarities Sect. Even if there were other talents in the city, they would only be at the Foundation Establishment Realm.
Which meant… the one who had reached the Nascent Soul Realm was likely an elder or a patriarch from one of the families.
If it was the Mu Family, it wouldn’t be a problem. But if it was another family… it could disrupt the balance of power in Tianxuan City.
It seems I need to return soon… He nodded thoughtfully.
“Why are you back so late, my dear? Did one of the Peak Masters summon you?” Bai Ruoxi asked, her voice filled with concern.
He nodded. “Yi Hao’s Master, the founding Peak Master of Boundless Sea Peak.”
“Peak Master Ying…?”
She was familiar with the name, having visited Boundless Sea Peak frequently. “What did she want?” she asked, surprised.
“It’s related to you,” he replied, his gaze sweeping over her alluring figure.
“Related to me?” she asked, tilting her head curiously.
He didn’t answer, simply taking her hand in his. “I’ll tell you later. It’s late. Go to bed and rest. Don’t catch a cold,” he said gently.
And it was a cold night. He needed her warmth.
She rolled her eyes, sensing his gaze lingering on certain… areas.
He chuckled, glancing at Wei Mengrou, who had left the pavilion. “Let’s go to bed, Ruoxi,” he said, pulling her gently.
She followed him, her gaze lowered, her cheeks flushed as she sensed his intentions.
He lit the candles on the table, watching as she sat gracefully on the bed, her fair legs peeking out from beneath her skirt.
She was about to remove her socks when he stopped her, his hand covering hers.
“Leave them on,” he said, his gaze fixed on her. A stray strand of hair framed her delicate features, her cheeks flushed, her beauty enhanced by the candlelight.
“Why?” she asked, looking up at him, puzzled.
“They increase attack speed,” he replied with a grin.
She tilted her head, confused.
He chuckled. “It’s alright. You don’t need to understand… You’ll understand soon enough.”
He drew the curtains, then gently pushed her back onto the bed, his lips capturing hers.
…
Three days later.
The Azure Yang Hall, located on the Southern Shore of the Two Polarities Sect, was one of the main halls within the Enforcement Hall’s territory.
Two lifelike dragons, their scales meticulously carved, adorned the entrance.
They were clearly depictions of Ling Long, the Spirit Dragon, who was currently enjoying free food and lodging at Mu Zhi’an’s residence.
The hall’s interior was a vast plaza, several corridors leading to different areas.
Many talented young disciples would gather here today for discussions and spars. Mu Zhi’an also planned to attend, hoping to assess the competition he would face at the Immortal Ascension Ceremony in two months.
He arrived at the plaza with Bai Ruoxi and found it bustling with disciples, most in groups, some male disciples standing together, their demeanor aloof and proud.
In reality, most of them were envious of the couples, their hearts burning with jealousy.
Mu Zhi’an and Bai Ruoxi’s arrival immediately drew attention.
His recent gift to Lan Mulian had made him somewhat famous.
And Bai Ruoxi’s beauty and reputation had also spread to the other peaks.
“It’s Junior Sister Bai,” someone whispered.
They stared at the couple, their voices hushed as they gossiped.
“She’s truly a beauty, just like the rumors said.”
“If I could have such a beauty by my side, I would die a happy man.”
“Hmph, Dao Companions only hinder our cultivation progress,” another disciple scoffed.
“Then why are those with Dao Companions the most talented disciples in the sect?” someone retorted.
His words silenced those who clung to the belief that “women only hinder cultivation.”
It was a harsh truth. Bai Ruoxi and Mu Zhi’an were in a relationship, yet her cultivation progress hadn’t slowed down. On the contrary, she had displayed remarkable talent, earning the favor of the Peak Master of Boundless Sea Peak and her fellow disciples.
And what about those who were single?
“How did Junior Brother Mu even manage to woo such a beauty?” a senior disciple sighed after a moment of silence.
Their whispers weren’t transmitted discreetly, so Mu Zhi’an overheard them. He glanced at Bai Ruoxi, admiring her delicate features, her white dress, her ample bosom, her slender waist, and her long, shapely legs.
“They’re calling you a beauty,” he whispered.
She simply hummed in response, maintaining her aloof facade.
He smiled, then transmitted his voice. “But you weren’t very aloof last night…”
Her seductive side, unleashed during their intimate moments, was something few could imagine.
He couldn’t imagine it either… he had simply witnessed it.
She blushed, remembering their night together, and glared at him, quickening her pace as she walked towards a nearby area.
That’s more like it. Being cold and distant all the time is boring… He chuckled, following her leisurely.
The sight of them together, their interaction so natural and intimate, filled the male disciples with envy.
“If I’m not mistaken, Junior Brother Mu is also close to the Ye sisters from Dao Peak,” a disciple remarked.
“Yeah, I’ve seen him visiting Sister Feiying at the Peak of Celestial Secrets.”
The disciples were restless.
Not only had he snagged the beautiful Bai Ruoxi, but he was also pursuing the adorable Ye sisters, and he had even gone to Tianxuan City to buy pastries for Senior Sister Lan…
This man must be stopped!
That was the thought that crossed many minds. They were itching to challenge him.
However, some female disciples were quite fond of him. His romantic gesture of traveling for pastries and his generosity in gifting a Seed of Dao Realization were undeniably charming.
Gongsun Cheng, who had just arrived, watched them, his eyes filled with resentment.
“This Mu Zhi’an was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He’s close to Senior Sister Lan and the talented disciple of Boundless Sea Peak. His future is bright,” a senior disciple from the Sword Palace remarked, standing beside him.
“And the Mu Family is the most powerful force in Tianxuan City, right, Junior Brother?” he asked, turning to Gongsun Cheng.
“Yes, they’re the most powerful… for now,” he replied, his gaze fixed on Mu Zhi’an, his voice laced with a hint of malice.
But not for long.
